Packaging Associate Engineer

Location: Beverages R&D Centre in Valhalla, NY
Reporting to: PLP Packaging Sr. Manager - Pepsi Lipton Joint Venture

DESCRIPTION:
PepsiCo relies on diverse packaging solutions to deliver products to our customers and consumers without compromising food safety or quality. As the first touchpoint for people, packaging has a big role to play, to attract consumers to the product, to reflect the brand equity, and to be part of a holistic in-use experience. When designed sustainably, packaging solutions can contribute to the creation of a circular value chain and potentially help reduce our GHG footprint.

This role is to execute tactical packaging programs that deliver against the North American Pepsi Lipton Partnership region AOP objectives. Pepsi Lipton is a Joint Venture formed between PepsiCo and Unilever to capitalize on the growth of the ready-to-drink tea segment. In the North American market the business consists of three core brands: Lipton, Brisk, and Pure Leaf.

As an Associate Packaging Engineer for Pepsi Lipton Packaging, you will be responsible for executing tactical packaging programs that deliver against the PLP in year program agenda. This role will have an emphasis on driving packaging productivity partnering with supply chain integration and bottling facility operations to identify and execute near-term value engineering opportunities. You will be responsible for authoring packaging specifications in the 3DX platform as well as authoring trial protocols and leading the execution of qualification work. You will work directly with PLP operations teams and will support the execution of programs that drive value and ensure supply across the PLP network. As part of growing a One R&D mindset you will build links with the Product development group in the PLP as well as the other packaging teams in the sectors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Pepsi Lipton Partnership North American Packaging program execution.
• Ability to learn the PEP system packaging capabilities. Assesses opportunities for driving value through packaging and connect with appropriate business team counter parts to create and execute programs.
• Leverages strong desire to learn the PEP bottling network and develops keen understanding of how PLP interacts with COBO, FOBO and Co man partners.
• Is involved in building a strong joint venture R&D culture between Product and Packaging R&D teams both in NA and globally.
• Develops packaging specifications directly into 3DX system. Is a proficient user of 3DX platform developing technical communities within the system.
• Executes rPET and RCBR compliance programs to enable PLP to deliver against 2030 rPET and RRC NA objectives.
• Collaborate with PepsiCo and Unilever S&T Packaging teams to implement parent company expertise and technical capabilities.
• Works closely with PepsiCo procurement and material vendors to ensure material supply continuity.
• Supports NA packaging innovation program trial execution.
• Actively communicates program status and risks to all stakeholders on a timely basis
• Establish project & resource budgets, and provide budget forecasts to PKG Management on a timely basis
• Execute program using Technical Stage Gate (TSG) and business team stage gate processes.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Environmental Science or related fields.
• 1-2 years of experience in Commercialization, Packaging Engineering, Sustainability and/or R&D.
• Technical experience working with beverage PET, glass and aluminum can formats as well as blow molding, filling and closure application technologies.

DIFFERENTIATING COMPETENCIES:

• Business Partnership: demonstrates capability to build partnerships with other functions. Is able to influence and shape program agendas.
• Must be able to show strong individual execution capability. Must demonstrate an understanding how program work links to the broader R&D, and the broader global packaging agenda.
• Ability to develop E2E level thinking to connect opportunities across the supply stream. Builds strong working relationships with executional cross functional team members in SCI and Product R&D.
• Program Management: ability to coordinate a complex variety of programs partnering with cross functional project teams. Able to manage multiple project needs and adapt to changing priorities in the commercial environment.
• Clarity in communications: Simplifying complexity, communicating in a clear and concise manner. Strong presentation skills and speaking ability; effectively interacts with all levels of management and external stakeholders.
• Is motivated to seek in-plant experiences through program execution embracing heavy travel demands at intermittent periods of program demand.

Pay: The pay range for this position is $88,600 to $133,000. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs. 

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible. 

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible. 

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. 

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